The Walleye’s ‘Big O,’ ‘The Lamp,’ are back in town

Written by Press Staff Writer

August 08, 2013

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Toledo Walleye defenseman Phil Oreskovic, “The Big O”, is back in town — agreeing to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2013-14 season.

Oreskovic appeared in 68 games with Toledo this past season, setting career highs in assists (13), and points (14). The native of North York, Ontario, collected his 600th career penalty minute while with the Walleye on March 3 vs. Evansville. Oreskovic has skated in a professional total of 363 games with 617 penalty minutes.

“Phil is a strong, tough, physical defenseman,” Coach Nick Vitucci said. “We saw last year what an outstanding hockey player he is. The bonus is what a great person he is off the ice and the amazing leadership qualities we saw from him a year ago. ”

Drafted in the third round of the 2005 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Oreskovic appeared in 10 games with the team that drafted him during the 2008-09 season. He collected a goal and assist with 21 penalty minutes while skating with the Maple Leafs. Oreskovic was the 400th East Coast Hockey League player to skate in the NHL.

Prior to his professional career, the 6-foot-3, 245 pound defenseman skated in 254 games in the Ontario Hockey League. He collected seven goals, 41 assists and 592 penalty minutes between Brampton and Owen Sound.

Defenseman Cody Lampl, “The Lamp” shines on Toledo, as he, too, has agreed to terms to return to the Walleye for the 2013-14 season.

Lampl appeared in 64 games with Toledo this past season, setting career highs in goals (6), points (14), and penalty minutes (127). The native of Ketchum, Idaho, also set a new Walleye record by finishing the season as a plus-20.

“We saw firsthand last season the high competition level that Cody plays with,” Head Coach Nick Vitucci said. “He is a proven defenseman that is strong in all facets of the game.”

Lampl has appeared in a professional total of 216 games between ECHL teams Las Vegas, Idaho, Utah and, plus two games in the American Hockey League with Abbotsford and Grand Rapids. In those games, the 27-year-old has racked up 322 penalty minutes and 58 points (8 goals, 50 assists).

Prior to his professional career, Lampl spent four seasons at Colorado College. In 86 games during his four year college career with the Tigers, the collected 75 penalty minutes and 20 points (6g, 14a).

To chill out with the Walleye this season, all single-game regular season tickets went on sale August 10. The Walleye face the Wheeling Nailers for their home opener on October 26. Puck drops at 7:15 p.m.

Interested in a Game Plan Ticket Package for the upcoming season but not sure where to sit? That’s OK. Fans can make an appointment to visit the Huntington Center now through August 9 to check out the view and then snag-a-seat for the upcoming season. While there, they can watch Vitucci and his staff teach the future stars who are attending the 2013 Toledo Walleye Summer Youth Camp.

Fans who become a Game Plan Holder this season can reserve seats for the much anticipated Walleye Winterfest, the first-ever ECHL outdoor hockey game, happening in December 2014 at Fifth Third Field. There are multiple game plan options to choose from.

Regular season game tickets for 2013-14 remain at $15. Children (12 and under) and seniors are $13. Opening Night tickets are $17. An opening night ticket gets you into FinFest— a pregame party event for the entire family.

You can purchase tickets at both the Mud Hens and Huntington Center box office, by phone at 419=725-WALL (9255), or online at www.toledowalleye.com.

The Walleye are the ECHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings.

Hens schedule outMark your calendar — the 2014 Toledo Mud Hens baseball season opens at Fifth Third Field on Friday, April 4, 2014.

Opening Day is a ‘doubleheader’ with both the Toledo Mud Hens and Walleye playing at home. Game one has the Mud Hens taking on International League rival Louisville Bats at 4 p.m. The second game follows at the Huntington Center when the Walleye face off against Fort Wayne at 7:15 p.m.

Season 13 of Mud Hens baseball at Fifth Third Field kicks off with a six-game home stand, a three-game series against the Bats followed by a three-game series against Indianapolis. Toledo plays 34 of their 72 home games on weekend dates (11 Fridays, 11 Saturdays and 11 Sundays).

The Hens’ first 12 home games are against divisional opponents. On April 26, the team hosts Gwinnett marking the first non-divisional game of the season.

• The ever popular jersey-themed nights are back. This season, both the Chewbacca and Hot Dog jerseys garnered national attention.

• More than 24,000 students participated in the Hens School Celebration Days in 2013. Next season area school districts have three opportunities to participate in the Hens School Celebration Days.

• The outfield will overflow with tents several times next season when hundreds of kids take part in the Mud Hens Scout Experience. Scouts have the chance to earn credit toward their merit badges.

• There will be special appearances and, of course, fireworks!

Game plans are on sale now for next season and it’s not too soon to start planning group outings. For information call 419-725-HENS or visit www.mudhens.com. 2014 marks the 28th consecutive season for the Hens as the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.